Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management
First Advisor
Thomas Andre
Second Advisor
Corbit Franks
Third Advisor
Heather Landry Shirley
Relational Format
Honors Thesis
Abstract
Background: Cooling strategies have been shown to combat the harmful effects that an increase in body temperature can potentially cause, and palm cooling in particular has been adopted due to its effectiveness in mitigating muscle fatigue during exercise. While there is clear support that this improves muscular strength and endurance, there is a lack of research on the impact palm cooling has on the mental aspect of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cognitive and physiological effects of palm cooling on aerobic exercise performance. Methods: Ten aerobically trained participants between the ages of 18-35 were recruited for this study. The first visit consisted of baseline cognitive measurements using the NeuroTracker™ three-dimensional motion object training (3D-MOT) and a maximal oxygen consumption test (VO2max) on a boost treadmill. The following two visits were 2 counterbalanced 40 minute runs at 60% VO2max with a 15-minute break in between. The conditions consisted of either palm cooling (PC) or no palm cooling (NC). Results: The results showed no significant differences between the effects of PC on core temperature (Tc) (p=0.926), cognitive function (CF) (p=0.614), thermal sensation (p=0.783), and RPE (p=0.480). Conclusions: Palm cooling in between 20-minute constant state exercise did not significantly affect core body temperature, perception, or cognitive function in this study. Further research under true hyperthermic conditions and a larger sample size is necessary to determine palm cooling’s potential to alleviate heat stress.
Recommended Citation
Tibbs, Katherine L., "The Impact of Palm Cooling on the Physiological and Cognitive Function of Aerobically Trained Individuals" (2026). Honors Theses. 3514.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3514